Modular electrical connector assembly

ABSTRACT

Modular lead-through connecting elements are assembled of strips or in a matrix and operate in conjunction with plug-in type connectors to prevent all connecting errors. The connectors can be locked in the operating position, and may comprise at least one reference marker for identification purposes.

United States Patent Debaigt [451 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] MODULAR ELECTRICALCONNECTOR ASSEMBLY [56] References Cited [72] Inventor: Jean Debaigt,Maisons Laffitte, France I UNITED STATES PATENTS [73] Assignee:Compagnie Generale DEntreprises Elec- 1,295,919 3/1919 Muh1hausen.....20/92 X triques, Levallois-Perret, France 2,463,826 3; 1949 Thacker....339/ 198 2,964,724 12 1960 Fox ....339/184 X [22] 15,1969 3,358,26612/1967 Chandler et a1. ..339/ 2os [21] Appl. No.: 866,651

Primary Examiner-R1chard E. Moore 12 S ,Rth ll,M' ,Z' &M k ForeignApplication Priomy Dam A orney ughrne o we lOn mn v acpea 06:. I8, 1968France ..l70569 [571 T A Modular lead-through connecting elements areassembled of [LS- CI- M, M, M, strips or in a matrix and operate inconjunction plug in 339/206 P pe connectors to prevent all connectingerrors. The conneclllte tor an be locked in the operating position andmay com- [58] Field ofSearch...; ..339/92, 186, 184, 91,59,121,

prise at least one reference marker for identification purposes.

12 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEnAPRmsn 3,655,U86

SHEET 1 OF 5 FIG/I 1 MODULAR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION adapted to be associated with each ofthe aforesaid modular elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The need is sometimesfound for permanently assembling together a certain number of maleconnectors, the said assembly forming a composite plug adapted to beplugged into a matrix according to the Applicants first aforesaidpatent, whereby it is possible to establish or interrupt all theelectrical connections between connections terminating, on the one hand,at the matrix, and at the other hand, at the composite plug.

F lirthermore, during the operation of plugging in a plug of the kindjust'described, it is essential to be able to carry out this plugging inwithout possible error, that is to say, to be able to locate instantlythe exact place where the plug ought to be plugged in and, what is alsooften necessary, to give to the plug its appropriate orientation.

It is considered desirable to provide an effective means for ensuringgood contact between the conducting elements of the matrix and thosecorresponding to them in the connectors, despite the unfavorableconditions to which the connections may be exposed, and particularly tothe vibrations and other stress, to which the conductors terminating atthe connecting elements may be accidentally subjected.

With regard to the kind of connections which may be obtained by means ofthe system according to the invention, it is specified in the parentpatent application and shown in FIGS.

- 4 and 5 of that patent application that the conducting central part ofeach modular element of the matrix may be replaced by a group comprisinga number of conducting elements arranged in parallel and insulated fromeach other.

FIG. 5 of the parent application deals more particularly with the casewhere four elements of this kind, directed along the diagonals of thesquare section of a modular element and suitably insulated from eachother, have been placed so as to give passage to four separateconducting paths. Such connections are particularly useful inelectronics where the necessityfor miniaturizing becomes increasinglypressing.

Finally, it has been found advantageous-to provide a practical means ofmarking or labelling the different plugs adapted to be associated withthe same matrix.

The present invention provides a convenient means of assembling togetherin a simple and rigid manner the different connectors of such a plug.

The present invention also provides effective means called locatorswhich when incorporated, on the one hand, in the modular elements of thematrix and, on the other hand, in the corresponding elementaryconnectors permit the aforesaid effect to be obtained.

The invention also provides means for effecting positive locking,satisfying the preoccupations just mentioned.

To avoid all possible confusion between the references used in thefollowing description and in the corresponding figures of the referredto application, these latter references will always be taken from thenumbers included between 201 and This invention provides, in this field,an advantageous improvement concerning the embodiment of the femaleconducting elements intended to be associated with male elements of thekind of those described in FIG. 5 of the parent patent.

The present invention describes a practical means of marking the plugsconsidered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In all the drawings illustrating theinvention, the same parts have been given the same references in everycase.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view, in perspective, of an assembly formedby a matrix according to the invention and an associated connector.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of two male connectors to beassembled together and the key ensuring such assembly.

FIG. 3 is in exploded perspectiveview, an assembly of male and femalelocators associated with the corresponding elements according to theinvention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of thelocking rod of theassembly, forming a non-losable screw and rod associated with itslocking nut.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly effected between amodular element having four crossing conductors,

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows the matrix 201 andthe associated composite male plugs 202. In this figure, the modularelements, such as 203, forming part of the matrix, and each of which isengaged by one of the male connectors 204 according to the invention,

are shown shaded. The stranded conductors 205 tenninate at the maleplugs 202. 1

FIG. 2 shows two contiguous connectors 204 adapted to be assembledagainst one another. The means provided by the invention comprises a key206, the cross-section of which is cut to form a double dovetail. Thekey is placed in position in a manner such that it engages, by its twosides simultaneously, two grooves 207 of a shape conjugate with theprofile to be engaged in them. It will be seen that, in the rear part ofthe key, the head 208 of the latter is connected to the body of the keyby means of a narrowed part 209. The head is intended to engageresiliently in the gap 210 provided for the purpose in the body of themale connector 204.

Since the four faces of each of these connectors carry a groove 207, itwill be seen that it is possible to assemble very rigidly, by means ofkeys according to the invention, as many The positioning of the locatorelements is shown in FIG. 3,

in which the matrix end of a male connector 204 will be seen at 211.

The means provided by the invention to obviate not only any wrongconnection but also any wrong contact between incompatible conductingparts consists in specializing for this purpose one or more assemblies,each formed by a cross-over modular element according to the inventionand a male connector associated with it. In each pair of members thusspecialized, the respective conducting parts are replaced by insulatingelements, adapted to fit one within the other when the grouped assemblyplug 202 is presented in the correct position opposite the placeintended for it on the matrix 201. Furthermore, the male locatorinsulating element 212 comprises, at its end pointing towards thematrix, an extension 213, the section of which is substantially that ofan angle-iron, and the length of which is such that on abutting againstthe matrix-it prevents any contact between the conducting parts of thegrouped plug 202 and those of the matrix 201 for any position exceptthat in which the extension can enter the gap between the associatedfemale locator 214, placed in the correct position, and the wall of thecross-over modular element 203 according to the invention and containingthe female locator 214.

It will be seen in the same FIG. 3 that the two locators comprise, ontheir common axis, bores 215 and 216 for the passage of the locking rod217 shown in FIG. 4. This rod, screwthreaded at both ends, is'norrnallyforcibly fitted in the axial bore of the female locator 214, such that,once the latter is in position inside the element 203, with which it isassembled by means of the boss 218, the rod 217 becomes non-losable. InFIG. 3, the part stamped in the form of a cross in the boss 218, issituated at the rear end of one of the branches of the modular element203. This boss is anchored in the depression 219 provided for thispurpose in the corresponding wall of the female locator 214. Inaddition, the latter has, on two of its faces, projections 220 adaptedto co-operate with the branches of the modular element 203, betweenwhich branches each of the projections concerned is inserted.

A locking nut 221 is fixed by known means, such as a pin (not shown) forexample, to the front end of the male connector 204 specialized in thefunctions of correct connection and locking. That is to say, itcomprises precisely the nut 221 instead of the standard conducting partswhich form it usually comprises.

The knurled head alone of this nut projects towards the front beyond themale connector 204, so that it is screwable manually from the outside onthe screwthreaded rod 217.

The male locator 212 bears by means of four fins 223 against theinterior of the hollow section of the rear part 211 of the maleconnector 204.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section, on a large scale, of the assembly of afour-way cross-over modular element 203, according to the invention. Amale connector 204, of which there is seen here only the rear end, iscomposed of four elementary conduits 224. These are arranged in asquare, such that the whole penetrates, with a certain amount ofclamping, the interior of cavities provided for this purpose in thefront end of the element 203. The four blades 225 form the conductingelements, are secured in the interior of the element 203 and are eachcentered on one of the aforesaid cavities. The four conducting clips orlyres 226 are in turn associated with the male connector 204. The mannerin which each of the blades co-operates with a corresponding lyre 226 isshown in FIG. 6. A resilient lug 235 is depressed when the lyre 226 isinserted, from the front to the rear, in the corresponding connector204. The lug is then erected, as soon as the lyre is in position, andenters the appropriate recess provided for this purpose in the interiorof the connector, thus preventing any unwanted movement of the lyre.

FIG. 7 shows a general marker or identification element 227, the rearpart of which is in all respects identical with one of the keys 206. Thefront part of the connector is the label carrier or actual marker 228.Once the part 227 is in position, instead of one of the keys 206, marker228 remains projecting on the front face of the composite plug 202 withwhich the marker element is assembled.

FIG. 8 shows all the parts according to the invention, by means of whichparts it is possible to form the bars or matrixes, with theiraccessories. In particular, there is seen the central conductor part229, corresponding to the part denoted by the reference numeral 3 inFIGS. 1 and 3 of the parent patent. This part is nonnally assembled withthe front halfbody 230 corresponding to the part denoted by thereference numeral 2 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the parent patent. Assemblyof the parts 229 and 230 is effected by means of a projections (notshown), engaging the recess 231 in the part 229. The rear half-body 232corresponds to the part denoted by reference numeral 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2of the parent application. When assembled, the parts 230 and 232 form across-over modular element 203 according to the invention. The elementis provided, as desired, with an internal conductor element 229, oragain, for example with four conductor elements in parallel andassembled together, elements such as 233, pans corresponding to one ofthe plates denoted by 33 in FIG. 5 of the parent application.

FIG. 8 also shows a male connector 204, an assembly key 206 and ageneral marker 227. With regard to the internal equipment of theconnector 204, it normally consists of a conducting clip 234,corresponding to the piece, the various pans of which are denoted by thereferences 2, 4, 6, 8, l0 and 16 of FIG. 1 of the first addition to theparent application. For the case where the element 203 is provided withplates 233, the connector 204 is provided in its turn with lyres such as226, equal in number to that of the blades 233. The male and femalelocators, respectively 212 and 214, are also shown in FIG. 8. Finally,the screw 217 and its locking nut 221 are also to be seen.

All these parts are shown in the exact positions which they have tooccupy in space, each of them being assumed to be in the operativeposition.

Thus, the level A is that denoted conventionally by the front of thematrix; this level is that of the height of the part 230. The level B isthat denoted conventionally as being the rear of the matrix, this levelbeing that of the rear face of the part 232.

The level C" is the level of penetration of the lower face of theconnector 204 in the interior of the matrix, that is to say, in theinterior of the part 230. The clip 234, co-operating with the part 229,projects slightly downward beyond the said level C." On the contrary,the part 226 co-operating with the blade 233 remains wholly within theconnector 204. The soldered joints 236 of the conductor 205 to the parts234 or 226 remains always deep in the connector 204 at the level D.

The male locator 212 wholly penetrates the lower part of the connector204, until the base of its extension is flush with the level C. Thefemale depression 219 of the said locator is provided with a bosssituated opposite of the inner face of the corresponding branch of thepart 230. The boss is situated on a level with the boss 237,corresponding in its turn to the boss denoted by numeral 14 in FIGS. 1,2 and 3 of the parent application. The milled part 222 of the lockingnut 221 is flush, at level E," with the height of the connector 204, thescrew 217 being flush at the level F" with the interior of thescrewthreaded bore of the nut 221.

It should be recalled also that the head 208 is situated, at the time ofassembly, on a level with groove groove 210 provided for this purpose inconnector 204.

Another feature of the assembly fon'ned by the various elements justdescribed resides in the interchangeability of the levels A and B. Infact, in a modification, the assembly formed by the elements 230, 232,and their accessories may be arranged end about, or if preferred, thesaid assembly could be represented in the position shown in FIG. 8 andthe connector 204 could be plugged in part 232 at the level B in theupward direction.

It is evident that the invention is by no means limited to theembodiments which have been described and which are given merely asexamples.

What is claimed is:

1. An assembly for use in forming an electrical connection modulecomprising: a plurality of elementary male connectors, each maleconnector being of substantially square crosssection with four lateralfaces and carrying on each of its four lateral faces a longitudinalgroove, the cross-section of said longitudinal groove beingsubstantially in the form of a dovetail, a longitudinal key whosecross-section is substantially the shape of a double dovetail, said keybeing slidably engaged within opposed grooves of two connectors to forma composite plug for cooperation with a matrix composed .of modularfemale elements, a matrix of modular female elements, and at least oneset of auxiliary parts, said auxiliary parts comprising male and femalelocating elements carried respectfully within the interior of at leastone modular female element of said matrix and at least one correspondingmale connector of said composite plug, said male and female locatingelements sewing to prevent contacting engagement between said modularelement and said male connector when they are not in predetenninedpositions relative to each other.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each male connectorincludes a groove on its periphery and each key has a head at its frontend for reception within said peripheral groove to prevent relativemovement of the male connectors.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a male or female locatingelement is fixed to the end of one of said connectors and includes arearward extension, whose cross-section is substantially that of anangle arm and whose length is such that, with the composite plugabutting the matrix, it is capable of preventing any unwanted contactbetween conducting parts carried by the matrix and the plug until saidone male connector forming a part of said composite plug is placedexactly opposite the element of said matrix receiving the same.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein said female locatingelement is fixed to the front end of a modular element and has across-section of a shape that when associated with the wall of themodular element receiving the same, permits the penetration of the anglearm extension of the male locating element when the composite plug ispresented to the matrix element in a correct plugging position.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein said female locatingelement comprises two plane faces and has a depression on each of itstwo plane faces, and wherein said modular element is provided with atleast one boss carried by the front the rear end thereof forco-operative coupling with said projection.

locking nut coupled to the front end of said rod, and means for securingthe other end of said rod within the interior of the bore provided inthe front part of the male connector.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein each modular elementincludes at least two conducting blades, each blade being anchored in aninsulated conduit of substantially half-body of the same for receptionwithin an associated depression.

' 6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said female locatingelement comprises two end edges and on each of its two end edges isprovided with a longitudinal projection, and said modular element has afront half-body with branches at square shape with said conduits formingthe complete front end body of said modular element.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the'rear part of theconnector associated with said modular element comprises a number ofinsulating conduits of substantially square section, elongatedconducting parts in the form of a lyre contained within respectiveconduits and adapted to receive the conducting blade carried by thefront half-body of the modular element.

11, The assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said conduit defines therear part of the connector associated with said modular element, andeach lyre-shaped conducting part carries at its front end, a resilientlug movable into an associated connector conduit recess when said lyreassumes its final position.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising anidentification element slidably carried by respective longitudinalgrooves in opposed walls of abutting connectors, said identificationelement including a label carrier in the form of a projection extendingaway from the front face of the connector and the front face of thecomposite plug of which the connector forms a portion t hercof

1. An assembly for use in forming an electrical connection modulecomprising: a plurality of elementary male connectors, each maleconnector being of substantially square cross-section with four lateralfaces and carrying on each of its four lateral faces a longitudinalgroove, the cross-section of said longitudinal groove beingsubstantially in the form of a dovetail, a longitudinal key whosecross-section is substantially the shape of a double dovetail, said keybeing slidably engaged within opposed grooves of two connectors to forma composite plug for cooperation with a matrix composed of modularfemale elements, a matrix of modular female elements, and at least oneset of auxiliary parts, said auxiliary parts comprising male and femalelocating elements carried respectfully within the interior of at leastone modular female element of said matrix and at least one correspondingmale connector of said composite plug, said male and female locatingelements serving to prevent contacting engagement between said modularelement and said male connector when they are not in predeterminedpositions relative to each other.
 2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein each male connector includes a groove on its periphery and eachkey has a head at its front end for reception within said peripheralgroove to prevent relative movement of the male connectors.
 3. Theassembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a male or female locating elementis fixed to the end of one of said connectors and includes a rearwardextension, whose cross-section is substantially that of an angle arm andwhose length is such that, with the composite plug abutting the matrix,it is capable of preventing any unwanted contact between conductingparts carried by the matrix and the plug until said one male connectorforming a part of said composite plug is placed exactly opposite theelement of said matrix receiving the same.
 4. The assembly as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said female locating element is fixed to the front endof a modular element and has a cross-section of a shape that whenassociated with the wall of the modular element receiving the same,permits the penetration of the angle arm extension of the male locatingelement when the composite plug is presented to the matrix element in acorrect plugging position.
 5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4 whereinsaid female locating element comprises two plane faces and has adepression on each of its two plane faces, and wherein said modularelement is provided with at least one boss carried by the fronthalf-body of the same for reception within an associated depression. 6.The assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said female locating elementcomprises two end edges and on each of its two end edges is providedwith a longitudinal projection, and said modular element has a fronthalf-body with branches at the rear end thereof for co-operativecoupling with said projection.
 7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6wherein said male locating element and said female locating elementinclude an axial bore passing therethrough, and said assembly furtherincludes a locking rod for reception within aligned axial bores.
 8. Theassembly as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a locking nut coupledto the front end of said rod, and means for securing the other end ofsaid rod within the interior of the bore provided in the front part ofthe male connector.
 9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein eachmodular element includes at least two conducting blades, each bladebeing anchored in an insulated conduit of substantially square shapewith said conduits forming the complete front end body of said modularelement.
 10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the rear part ofthe connector associated with said modular element comprises a number ofinsulating conduits of substantially square section, elongatedconducting parts in the form of a lyre contained within respectiveconduits and adapted to receive the conducting blade carried by thefront half-body of the modular element.
 11. The assembly as claimed inclaim 10 wherein said conduit defines the rear part of the connectorassociated with said modular element, and each lyre-shaped conductingpart carries at its front end, a resilient lug movable into anassociated connector conduit recess when said lyre assumes its finalposition.
 12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising anidentification element slidably carried by respective longitudinalgrooves in opposed walls of abutting connectors, said identificationelement including a label carrier in the form of a projection extendingaway from the front face of the connector and the front face of thecomposite plug of which the connector forms a portion thereof.